Stroller including movable basket assembly

This application claims the benefit of both U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/561,518, filed Apr. 13, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/609,842, filed Sep. 15, 2004, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a stroller including a movable basket assembly. More specifically, this invention relates to a stroller including a basket assembly that can be moved easily by a caregiver between a first, in-use position and a second, access position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Strollers that incorporate a basket assembly underneath the stroller seat for holding objects are known. The basket assembly generally includes a basket suspended from a basket frame. One such stroller includes a top-loading basket assembly located behind the seat bottom of the seat and under the back rest of the seat. The frame of the basket assembly defines the top opening of the basket, and the frame must be manually pivoted and secured to the rear surface of the back rest when the stroller is folded. The basket cannot hold elongated objects because the basket does extend under the seat bottom. Another stroller has an elongated and fairly deep basket that extends beneath the seat bottom and the back rest. In this stroller, easier access to the top opening of the basket is afforded by a pivoted, break-away basket frame that is forced past stops to move between an upper, in-use position and a lower, access position.

There is a need in the art for a stroller with an improved basket assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention addresses a stroller that includes, among other possible things: a stroller frame; a basket assembly including a basket frame coupled to the stroller frame, wherein the basket frame is configured to move, without bending, between a first, in-use position and a second, access position, and a basket supported by the basket frame; and a latch assembly on each side of the stroller that movably couples the basket frame to the stroller frame, the latch assembly being configured such that application of a downward force on the basket frame moves the basket frame from the first, in-use position to the second, access position. Upon removal of the application of downward force, the basket frame can remain in the second, access position.

Another embodiment of the present invention addresses a stroller that includes, among other possible things: a stroller frame; a basket assembly including a basket frame coupled to the stroller frame and movable between a first, in-use position and a second, access position, and a basket supported by the basket frame; and a latch assembly having first and second detents on the stroller frame and an engagement member to releasably engage the first and second detents, such that engagement of the engagement member with the first detent maintains the basket frame in the first, in-use position, and engagement of the engagement member with the second detent maintains the basket frame in the second, access position. The engagement member is configured to be disengaged from the first detent by application of a downward force on the basket frame.

Another embodiment of the present invention addresses a stroller that includes, among other possible things: a stroller frame; a basket assembly including a basket frame configured to move between a first, in-use position and a second, access position, and a basket supported by the basket frame; and a latch assembly including a spring element that couples the basket frame to the stroller frame. The latch assembly is configured such that application of a downward force on the basket frame moves the basket frame from the first, in-use position to the second, access position. Upon removal of the application of downward force, the basket frame can remain in the second, access position.

Another embodiment of the present invention addresses a basket apparatus for use with a wheeled transport. The basket apparatus includes, among other possible things: a basket assembly including a basket frame configured to move between a first, in-use position and a second, access position, and a basket supported by the basket frame; and a spring element that couples the basket frame to the wheeled transport. The spring element is arranged with respect to the basket assembly and the wheeled transport such that application of a downward force on the basket frame moves the basket frame from the first, in-use position to the second, access position. Upon removal of the application of downward force, the basket frame can remain in the second, access position.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a front perspective view of a stroller according to an embodiment of the invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is side elevation view of the stroller shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is rear elevation view of the stroller shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a front perspective view of the stroller shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, absent the soft goods.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is side elevation view of the stroller shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref> is a cut-away, side view of an arm support of the stroller shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is rear elevation view of the stroller shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a detail, side elevation view, in partial cross section, of certain stroller components, including a fold link that facilitates folding of the stroller, taken from inside of the stroller.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a cut-away, side view, in partial cross section, of a handle bar assembly and the fold link region of the stroller shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, looking from outside the stroller, in which the fold actuator assembly is shown in a non-actuated state.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref> is a detail perspective view of the fold link and surrounding stroller structure of the stroller shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, in which the fold actuator assembly is in a non-actuated state

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a cut-away, side view, in partial cross section, of the handle bar assembly and the fold link region of the stroller shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, looking from outside the stroller, in which the fold actuator assembly is shown in an actuated state.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref> is a detail perspective view of the fold link and surrounding stroller structure of the stroller shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, in which the fold actuator assembly is in an actuated state.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a detail, rear elevation view of the stroller shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, illustrating the fold actuator assembly in an actuated state.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref> is a side elevation view of the stroller shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, in which the stroller is in an initial fold stage with the handlebar assembly pivoted substantially upright.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11B</figref> is a side elevation view of the fold link and surrounding stroller components of the stroller of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref>, taken from an inboard side of the fold link.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11C</figref> is a rear elevation view of the stroller shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref> is a side elevation view of the stroller shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, in which the stroller is partially collapsed.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12B</figref> is a side elevation view of the fold link and surrounding stroller components of the stroller of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref>, taken from an inboard side of the fold link.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12C</figref> is a rear elevation view of the stroller shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13A</figref> is a side elevation view of the stroller shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, in which the stroller is fully collapsed.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13B</figref> is a side elevation view of the fold link and surrounding stroller components of the stroller of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13A</figref>, taken from an inboard side of the fold link.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13C</figref> is a rear elevation view of the stroller shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13A</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14A</figref> is a front, perspective view of an embodiment of a child tray of the stroller shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> in accordance with the invention, in which the child tray is in an open position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14B</figref> is a front, perspective view of the child tray according to another embodiment, in which the child tray is in an open position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a detail perspective view of an attachment end of the child tray shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14A</figref>, in which the child tray is separate from the stroller.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16A</figref> is a bottom, perspective view of the child tray according to the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14A</figref>, in which the child tray is in the open position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16B</figref> is a bottom, perspective view of the child tray shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16A</figref>, in a closed, in-use position;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17A</figref> is a perspective view of the child tray according to another embodiment of the invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17B</figref> is a perspective view of the child tray according to another embodiment of the invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18A</figref> is a detail view of an auxiliary cup holder according to the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17A</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18B</figref> is a cut away view in partial cross section, showing the auxiliary cup holder and a main cup holder according to the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17A</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a detail perspective view of an attachment end of the child tray of the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17A</figref>, in which the child tray is separated from the stroller frame.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20A</figref> is a front perspective view of a latching mechanism of the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17A</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20B</figref> is a cut away view of the latching mechanism taken along line A-A of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20A</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21A</figref> is a front view, in cross section, of a child tray and cup holder according to another embodiment of the invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21B</figref> is a detail perspective view of an attachment end of the child tray of the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21A</figref>, in which the child tray is separated from the stroller frame.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21C</figref> is a front perspective view of an attachment end of the stroller frame of the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21A</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is a perspective view of a basket assembly attached to the stroller shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> by way of a latch assembly.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23A</figref> is an exploded, perspective view of a first embodiment of a latch assembly by which the basket assembly may be connected to the stroller.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23B</figref> is a perspective view of the latch assembly shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23A</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24A</figref> is a cut-away side view of the latch assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23A</figref>; the latch assembly is connected to the stroller frame of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> and supports a basket frame of the basket assembly in an in-use position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24B</figref> is a cut-away side view of the latch assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24A</figref> supporting the basket frame in an access position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25A</figref> is a cross sectional side view of a second embodiment of a latch assembly by which a basket assembly may be connected to a stroller; the latch assembly is shown supporting the basket frame in an in-use position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25B</figref> is a cross-sectional side view of the latch assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25A</figref> supporting the basket frame in an access position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26A</figref> is a front perspective side view of a third embodiment of a latch assembly by which a basket assembly may be connected to the stroller; the latch assembly is shown supporting the basket frame in an in-use position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26B</figref> is a front perspective side view of the latch assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26A</figref> supporting the basket frame in an access position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> is a front perspective view of a stroller according to another embodiment of the invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref> is a detail perspective view of an attachment end of the child tray, in which the child tray is separate from the stroller.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref> is a cut-away, side view of the child tray attached to the stroller according to the embodiment shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref> is a front view, in cross section, of a child tray and a cup holder according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. An effort has been made to use the same reference numbers throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a stroller <b>10</b> in accordance with the invention. The stroller <b>10</b> includes a stroller frame <b>100</b> that is movable between an in-use configuration and a folded configuration. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows the stroller frame <b>100</b> in the in-use configuration, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13A</figref> shows the stroller frame <b>100</b> in the compact, folded configuration. As can be understood from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 and 13A</figref>, the stroller frame <b>10</b> folds to a very compact size relative to its in-use size due to the unique fold geometry of the stroller <b>10</b>.

The stroller <b>10</b> can include a child barrier, such as child tray <b>400</b> or arm bar <b>490</b>, movably coupled to the stroller frame <b>100</b> and a cup holder <b>410</b> mounted either to the stroller frame <b>100</b> or to the child barrier. The cup holder can be arranged on the stroller frame <b>100</b> such that, as the child barrier moves relative to the stroller frame <b>100</b>, the cup holder can remain stationary relative to the stroller frame <b>100</b>. The cup holder also can be arranged on the child barrier such that, as the child barrier moves relative to the stroller frame <b>100</b>, the cup holder pivots about its central longitudinal axis. Accordingly, when a caregiver needs to move the child barrier, for example, to remove a child from the stroller seat, the caregiver need not worry about spillage of items stored in the cup holder.

The stroller <b>10</b> also can include a basket assembly <b>500</b> including a basket frame <b>510</b> and a basket <b>520</b> suspended from the basket frame <b>510</b>. The basket frame <b>510</b> is arranged relative to the stroller frame <b>100</b> such that application of downward force on the basket frame <b>510</b> moves the basket frame <b>510</b> from an in-use position to an access position. Upon removal of the downward force, the basket frame <b>510</b> can remain in the access position. The basket assembly <b>500</b> does not include an actuator; a simple downward application of force on the basket frame <b>510</b> will move the basket frame <b>510</b> to its access position. In addition, once in the access position, a caregiver can release the basket frame <b>510</b> and use both hands to load items into, or unload items from, the basket <b>520</b>.

The stroller <b>10</b>, its frame components, and its fold geometry now will be described in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-13C</figref>. The stroller <b>10</b> is generally intended for transporting children, but the inventive principles can be applied to all types of wheeled transports, including carts or carriages having a foldable frame.

The stroller <b>10</b> generally includes the stroller frame <b>100</b> and a seat assembly <b>50</b> mounted to the stroller frame <b>100</b>. The seat assembly <b>50</b> includes a cushioned seat <b>52</b> made of a fabric material, a seat support <b>54</b> movably mounted to the stroller frame <b>100</b>, and a seat back frame member <b>56</b> pivotally mounted to the seat support <b>54</b>. The seat <b>52</b> itself has a seat bottom <b>53</b>, which is secured to the seat support <b>54</b>, and a seat back <b>55</b>, which is secured to the seat back frame member <b>56</b>. The seat bottom <b>53</b> and the seat back <b>55</b> can create a child seating area to receive a child. The seat back <b>55</b> can include side bolsters that curve slightly forward at either side of the seat back <b>55</b>, as well as a removable head bolster for use with smaller children. The seat assembly <b>50</b> also can include a canopy <b>60</b> that is pivotally connected to the stroller frame <b>100</b>.

The stroller <b>10</b> further can include a parent tray or console <b>70</b> and a footrest <b>80</b>. The footrest <b>80</b> can be a generally U-shaped plastic molded structure that extends over the front legs of the stroller frame <b>100</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

The stroller frame <b>100</b> is convertible between an operating, in-use configuration, as shown, for example, in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4-6</figref>, and a stowed or folded configuration, as shown, for example, in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13A-13C</figref>. In the in-use configuration, the stroller <b>10</b> can receive and transport a child in a manner well understood by those skilled in the art. In the folded configuration, the stroller <b>10</b> can be stored upright on its front wheels FW and its rear wheels RW in a compact arrangement.

To more clearly reveal the stroller frame <b>100</b> and some components of the seat assembly <b>50</b>, the stroller <b>10</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4-6</figref> without certain soft goods, such as the seat <b>52</b>, the canopy <b>60</b>, and the basket <b>520</b>, and without certain plastic molding, such as the footrest <b>80</b>. The stroller frame <b>100</b> can include right and left front legs <b>110</b>, right and left rear legs <b>112</b>, right and left seat support frame members <b>120</b>, right and left link members <b>130</b> that function as fold links, and right and left arm supports <b>140</b>. The stroller frame <b>100</b> also can include a generally U-shaped handlebar frame <b>150</b> that includes a handle bar <b>152</b> and push arms <b>154</b> on each side of the stroller <b>10</b> that extend from the handlebar <b>152</b> to the respective rear legs <b>112</b>. One or more front cross braces <b>114</b> can extend between the front legs <b>110</b> to reinforce the front legs <b>110</b>. Similarly, a rear cross member <b>116</b> can extend between the rear legs <b>112</b> to reinforce the rear legs <b>112</b>.

Front wheels FW can be mounted to the lower ends of the front legs <b>110</b>, and rear wheels RW can be mounted to the lower ends of the rear legs <b>112</b>. A rear axle <b>118</b> can extend between the rear wheels RW.

Each front leg <b>110</b> of the stroller frame <b>100</b> is pivotally connected to a respective seat support frame member <b>120</b> at pivot P<b>1</b>, as best seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. This pivot P<b>1</b> and all other pivots designated “Px”, where x represents a number, designates a pivotal connection, a pivot, or a pivotal mount, or any conventional pivoting configuration, which can include pins, shafts, bolts, rivets, bearings, and the like. Each front leg <b>110</b> also is pivotally connected by pivot P<b>2</b> to a generally triangular tie frame member <b>111</b> that itself is pivotally mounted to an inside surface of the respective arm support <b>140</b> at pivot P<b>3</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref>. In this regard, the front legs <b>110</b> can pivot relative to the arm supports <b>140</b>.

Each rear leg <b>112</b> is fixedly connected to the tie frame member <b>111</b> by a fixed pin <b>113</b>. The rear leg <b>112</b> can pivot relative to the respective arm support <b>140</b> by pivoting of the tie frame member <b>111</b> about pivot P<b>2</b>. The rear legs <b>112</b> also are releasably coupled to the respective push arms <b>152</b> at braces <b>202</b>.

The seat support frame members <b>120</b> each extend between the respective front legs <b>110</b> and the respective fold links <b>130</b>. As mentioned above, the seat support frame members <b>120</b> are pivotally connected to the respective front leg <b>110</b> at pivot P<b>1</b>. The seat support frame members <b>120</b> also are pivotally connected to the respective fold links <b>130</b> at pivots P<b>4</b>. The seat support frame members <b>120</b> and the fold links <b>130</b> of the illustrated embodiment are disposed inward of the front and rear legs <b>110</b>, <b>112</b> (that is, closer to the central longitudinal axis of the stroller <b>10</b> than the rear legs <b>110</b>), as can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3 and 6</figref>.

The fold links <b>130</b> each have three pivot points, which allow the fold links <b>130</b> to pivot and drive the stroller frame <b>100</b> from its in-use configuration to its compact, folded configuration. In this regard, the fold links <b>130</b> each are pivotally connected to the respective seat support frame member <b>120</b> at pivot P<b>4</b> (first pivot on fold link), to the respective push arm <b>154</b> at pivot P<b>5</b> (second pivot on fold link), and to the respective rear leg <b>112</b> at pivot P<b>6</b> (third pivot on fold link). The position of pivots P<b>4</b>, P<b>5</b>, P<b>6</b> on fold links <b>130</b> is optimized to provide a smooth folding motion to achieve a compact, folded configuration of the stroller, as will be described below. In addition, because pivot P<b>5</b> is forward of pivot P<b>6</b> in the stroller's in-use configuration, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the weight of a child seated in the seat <b>52</b> prevents the stroller frame <b>100</b> from folding if the fold actuator <b>210</b> is actuated inadvertently. Further, because the seat support <b>54</b> is pivoted to the fold links <b>130</b> at the same pivot as the push arms <b>152</b>, the weight of a child seated on the seat support <b>54</b> will force the push arms <b>152</b> into engagement with the braces <b>202</b>.

In addition to stroller frame components <b>112</b>, <b>120</b>, and <b>154</b>, the seat support <b>54</b> is pivotally connected to the right and left fold links <b>130</b> at pivots P<b>5</b>. In this regard, the seat support <b>54</b> can include right and left extensions <b>58</b> that are adapted to pivotally connect to the fold links <b>130</b> at pivots P<b>5</b>. The extensions <b>158</b> can curve upward and generally perpendicularly from an upper surface of the seat support <b>54</b> to intersect with pivot P<b>5</b>. The seat back frame member <b>56</b> can be pivotally connected to these wing extensions <b>58</b>, as shown, for example, in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. The extensions <b>58</b> can include an arcuate cap <b>59</b> that can smoothly slide over a hub <b>132</b> formed on an inner surface of the fold link <b>130</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8A and 9A</figref>.

The seat support <b>54</b> also has at least one bracket per side edge, and, in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of brackets <b>51</b>, <b>57</b> per side edge, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. One of the brackets <b>51</b> curls over the respective seat support frame member <b>120</b>, and the other of the brackets <b>57</b> curls under the respective seat support frame member <b>120</b>. The brackets <b>51</b>, <b>57</b> are configured to loosely grip the respective seat support frame members <b>120</b> so that, as the stroller <b>10</b> is moved between its in-use configuration and its folded configuration, the seat support <b>54</b> can translate (that is, rotate and/or slide) relative to the seat support frame members <b>120</b>, as will be described below, with the brackets <b>51</b>, <b>57</b> guiding the movement of the seat support <b>54</b> along the seat support frame members <b>120</b>. Since the seat back frame member <b>56</b> is pivotally connected to the extensions <b>58</b>, the seat back frame member <b>56</b> can fold with the seat support <b>54</b>.

The arm supports <b>140</b> of the stroller frame <b>100</b>, which are positioned on either side of the seat assembly <b>50</b>, are arranged relative to the front and rear legs <b>110</b>, <b>112</b> so that the front and rear legs <b>110</b>, <b>112</b> can pivot relative to the arm supports <b>14</b>. The arm supports <b>140</b> also are pivotally connected to the respective push arms <b>154</b> at pivot P<b>7</b>. The arm supports <b>140</b> can be formed of molded plastic. In addition, the arm supports <b>140</b> can be generally U-shaped in cross section to have an inner segment <b>142</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>) and an outer segment <b>144</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>) connected by a smoothly contoured upper section <b>146</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>).

In order to initiate folding of the stroller <b>10</b> from the in-use configuration to the folded configuration, the stroller <b>10</b> also includes a fold actuator assembly. As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3</figref>, <b>8</b>, and <b>9</b>, the fold actuator assembly generally can include a handle actuator <b>210</b> movably mounted to the handle bar <b>152</b>, left and right locks <b>220</b> slidably mounted to the push arms <b>154</b>, spring-biased plungers <b>230</b> coupled to the locks <b>220</b>, braces <b>202</b> on the rear legs <b>112</b> that engage the plungers <b>230</b>, and cables <b>240</b> that extend from the handle actuator <b>210</b> to the spring-biased plungers <b>230</b>. The left and right locks <b>220</b> can engage the respective fold links <b>130</b> to lock the stroller <b>10</b> in the in-use configuration. Upon actuation of the handle actuator <b>210</b>, the left and right locks <b>220</b> can disengage from the respective fold links <b>130</b> to permit the stroller frame <b>10</b> to move to the folded configuration, as will be described below.

Many types of handle actuators could be employed in the fold actuator assembly of stroller <b>10</b>. For example, the handle actuator <b>210</b> could be a push-button-type actuator or a slide-type actuator, such as those that are shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/999,148, which is incorporated herein by reference it is entirety. The handle actuator alternatively could comprise a twisting or rotating actuator, such as the one described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,284, which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The left and right locks <b>220</b> can comprise collars <b>222</b> that are slidably mounted to the push arms <b>154</b>. Each of the locks <b>220</b> also can comprise a protuberance <b>224</b> extending from the respective collar <b>220</b>. The protuberances <b>224</b> can engage a first notch <b>132</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8A</figref>, <b>8</b>B) in the fold link <b>130</b> when the stroller is in the in-use configuration and a second notch <b>134</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12B</figref>) in the fold link <b>130</b> when the stroller is in the folded configuration.

The collars <b>222</b> are fixed to the spring-biased plungers <b>230</b>, which are housed within the push arms <b>124</b>. In this regard, pins <b>126</b> can extend through the plungers <b>230</b>, the push arms <b>124</b>, and the collars <b>222</b>. The pins <b>226</b> are configured to slide in the axial direction of the push arms <b>154</b> within slots (obscured by the collars <b>222</b>) formed in the push arms <b>154</b>. As a result of this engagement between the plungers <b>230</b> and the collars <b>220</b>, when the plungers <b>230</b> slide within the push arms <b>154</b>, the collars <b>220</b> slide along the outside of the push arms <b>154</b> in the same direction as the plungers <b>230</b>.

Cables <b>240</b> couple the handle actuator <b>210</b> to the plungers <b>230</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8 and 9</figref>. The proximal ends of the cables <b>240</b> attach to the handle actuator <b>210</b>. The distal ends of the cables <b>240</b> (i.e., the ends farthest from the handle actuator <b>210</b>) attach to the respective plungers <b>230</b>. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8 and 9</figref>, a spring <b>244</b> is located in an intermediate section of the plunger <b>230</b>, one end of the spring <b>244</b> mounted to the plunger <b>230</b> and the other end of the spring <b>244</b> mounted to a rivet <b>242</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>) passing through and fixedly secured to the respective push arm <b>154</b>. The location of the rivet <b>242</b> is generally indicated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8 and 9</figref>.

The springs <b>244</b> bias the plungers <b>230</b> into engagement with the braces <b>202</b> on the rear legs <b>112</b> to lock the push arms <b>154</b> in place relative to the rear legs <b>112</b>. The springs <b>244</b> also bias the collars <b>222</b> of locks <b>220</b>, which are coupled to the plungers <b>230</b>, away from the fold actuator <b>210</b>, and into engagement with the notches <b>132</b>, <b>134</b> of the fold links <b>130</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8 and 8A</figref> show the fold actuator assembly on one side of the stroller <b>10</b> in an un-actuated state, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9 and 9A</figref> show the fold actuator assembly in an actuated state. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8 and 8A</figref>, the plunger <b>230</b> is engaged with the brace <b>202</b>, and the protuberance <b>224</b> is engaged in first notch <b>132</b> of the fold link <b>130</b>. When the handle actuator <b>210</b> is actuated, the cables <b>240</b> pull the plungers <b>230</b> toward the fold actuator <b>210</b>, against the bias of the spring <b>244</b>, and out of engagement with braces <b>202</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> shows the spring <b>244</b> in a compressed state. The collars <b>222</b> follow the movement of the plungers <b>230</b>, and protuberances <b>224</b> are drawn out of first notches <b>132</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> provides a rear view of the stroller <b>10</b> with the fold actuator assembly in an actuated state. When the fold actuator assembly is in an actuated state, the handle bar assembly <b>150</b> can be moved relative to the rear legs <b>112</b> and the fold links <b>130</b> to commence the stroller fold sequence.

Folding of the stroller <b>10</b> will now be described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11A-11C</figref>, <b>12</b>A-<b>12</b>C, and <b>13</b>A-<b>13</b>C. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11A-11C</figref> illustrate the stroller <b>10</b> in an initial stage of folding. Arrows have been added to show the direction of movement of the handle bar assembly <b>150</b>, the fold link <b>130</b>, and the basket frame <b>510</b> from the in-use configuration. As can be seen by comparing <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11A</figref>, the handle bar assembly, including handle bar <b>152</b> and push arms <b>154</b>, has been rotated forward (counterclockwise) to a substantially upright position. As the handle bar assembly <b>150</b> rotates forward, the protuberances <b>224</b> of the right and left locks <b>220</b> can ride over surfaces <b>138</b> of the fold links <b>130</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref>), and fold links <b>130</b> rotate rearward (clockwise). As the fold links <b>130</b> rotate, the basket frame <b>510</b>, which is connected to the fold links <b>130</b> at respective pivots P<b>6</b>, begins to drop toward rear wheels RW (clockwise). Rotation of the fold links <b>130</b> draws the seat support frame members <b>120</b> (connected to the fold links at pivots P<b>4</b>) and the seat support <b>54</b> (connected to the fold links <b>130</b> at pivots P<b>5</b>) rearward. As the seat support frame members <b>120</b> and the seat support <b>54</b> move rearward, the seat support <b>54</b> can translate relative to the seat support frame members <b>120</b>. In this regard, brackets <b>51</b>, <b>57</b> can slide rearward along the seat support frame members <b>120</b>. This initial fold stage is smooth due to the minimal movement of the front and rear legs <b>110</b>, <b>112</b> relative to each other.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12A-12C</figref> illustrate the stroller <b>10</b> in a partially collapsed stage of folding. Arrows have been added to show the direction of movement of the handle bar assembly <b>150</b>, the fold link <b>130</b>, the seat back frame member <b>56</b>, the child tray <b>400</b>, the footrest <b>80</b>/front legs <b>110</b>, and the rear legs <b>112</b> from the initial fold stage. In this partially collapsed stage, the push arms <b>154</b> of the handle bar assembly <b>150</b> have been further rotated forward (counterclockwise), which further rotates the fold links <b>130</b> (clockwise). Rotation of the fold links <b>130</b> draws the seat support frame members <b>120</b> and the seat support <b>54</b> further rearward. The seat support <b>54</b> continues to translate relative to the seat support frame members <b>120</b>. In this regard, the seat support <b>54</b> slides rearward along the seat support frame members <b>120</b> and also rotates relative to the seat support frame members <b>120</b> such that the front end of the seat support <b>54</b> is higher than shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11A-11C</figref> and the rear end is lower. As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref>, brackets <b>51</b>, <b>57</b> partially lift off of the seat support frame members <b>120</b> during the rotation of the seat support <b>54</b> relative to the seat support frame members <b>120</b>. In addition, the basket frame <b>510</b> rotates with the fold links <b>130</b> until the basket frame <b>510</b> comes into contact with the rear axle <b>218</b>. The fold links <b>130</b> then can continue to rotate relative to the basket frame <b>510</b>, which remains braced against the rear axle <b>118</b>.

Translation of the seat support <b>54</b> relative to the seat support frame members <b>120</b> is possible in part due to the connection of the seat support <b>54</b> and the seat support frame members <b>120</b> to the fold links <b>120</b> at two different pivots P<b>5</b> and P<b>4</b>, respectively. These pivots P<b>4</b>, P<b>5</b> change relative orientation during the folding sequence. When the stroller is in the in-use configuration, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, pivot P<b>5</b> to which the seat support <b>54</b> and the push arms <b>154</b> are connected, is farther from the rear wheels RW than pivot P<b>4</b>, to which the seat support frame members <b>120</b> are connected. When the stroller is in the partially collapsed stage of folding, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref>, pivot P<b>5</b> is closer to the rear wheels RW than pivot P<b>4</b>. Consequently, as the stroller <b>10</b> folds, the seat support <b>54</b> is drawn rearward and rotated into closer alignment with the rear legs <b>112</b> than the seat support frame members <b>120</b>. As the stroller <b>10</b> is collapsed, the front and rear legs <b>110</b>, <b>112</b> are drawn more closely together.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13A-13C</figref> show the stroller <b>10</b> in its fully collapsed, folded configuration. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13A</figref>, when the stroller <b>10</b> is folded, the stroller <b>10</b> can stand upright on its wheels FW, RW. The push arms <b>154</b> of the stroller <b>10</b> have been pushed downward, toward the rear wheels RW and the ground surface on which the stroller <b>10</b> rests. As a consequence of the downward motion of the push arms <b>154</b>, the fold links <b>130</b> further rotate (clockwise), which moves the seat support <b>54</b>, the seat back frame member <b>56</b> attached to the seat support <b>54</b>, and the seat support frame members <b>120</b> further rearward and downward. The seat support <b>54</b> in the illustrated embodiment thus can nest between the front legs <b>110</b> and the push arms <b>154</b> of the stroller <b>10</b>. The fold links <b>130</b> also further rotate relative to the basket frame <b>510</b>, which remains braced against the rear axle <b>118</b>. In addition, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13A</figref> shows pivots P<b>5</b>, to which the seat support <b>54</b> and the push arms <b>154</b> are connected, in a position closer to the rear wheels RW than pivots P<b>4</b>, to which the seat support frame members <b>120</b> are connected. Because the push arms <b>154</b> are connected to the fold links <b>130</b> at different pivots than the seat support frame members <b>120</b>, the push arms <b>154</b> can be pushed downward closer to the ground surface, providing for a more compact fold than available in conventional strollers of similar in-use size.

When the stroller <b>10</b> reaches the fully folded configuration, the protuberances <b>224</b> on the fold locks <b>220</b> engage the second notches <b>134</b> in the fold links <b>130</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13C</figref>. Accordingly, to open the stroller <b>10</b> from its folded configuration to its in-use configuration, the fold actuator <b>152</b> must be actuated to retract the protuberances <b>224</b> out of second notches <b>134</b>. The handle bar assembly <b>150</b> then may be lifted vertically to rotate the fold links <b>130</b> (counterclockwise), thereby forcing the frame components of the stroller <b>10</b> to their in-use orientation. During movement of the stroller frame <b>100</b> to the in-use configuration, the basket frame <b>510</b> can reorient to its in-use position, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. In one embodiment, for example, the basket frame <b>510</b> can be coupled to the fold links <b>130</b> by a latch assembly <b>530</b>A at each side of the basket frame <b>510</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23A</figref>, and the structure of the latch assembly <b>530</b>A enables the basket frame <b>510</b> to follow the fold links <b>130</b> as they rotate (counterclockwise) to open the stroller frame <b>100</b> to its in-use configuration.

It will be understood that fold links <b>130</b> can be employed on strollers having stroller frame configurations different from the illustrated embodiment. For example, the fold links <b>130</b> can be employed on a stroller having a pair of spaced push arms, with no branching handlebar <b>152</b>; in such a stroller, each push arm can include a fold actuator assembly to initiate folding of the stroller. The fold links <b>130</b> can function on such alternative stroller frames to permit the seat support of the stroller to translate relative to associated seat support frame members of the stroller frame. The fold links <b>130</b> also can function on alternative stroller frames to provide three pivot locations for attachment of the seat support frame members, the push arms, and the rear legs of the stroller frame, so that the stroller can fold to a very compact size relative to its in-use size.

In addition, the fold links can be configured so that, instead of including pivots P<b>4</b>, P<b>5</b>, and P<b>6</b>, the fold links allow sliding movement of the seat support frame members, the push arms, and the rear legs of the stroller frame relative to the fold links during folding of the stroller. For example, the fold links can include curved or camming slots along which pins through the seat support frame members, the push arms, and the rear legs of the stroller frame can travel.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the arrangement of a child barrier, such as child tray <b>400</b>, and a child's cup holder, such as cup holder <b>410</b>, of stroller <b>10</b>. The child barrier can be a child tray-type barrier or an arm bar-type barrier, such as arm bar <b>490</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref>. The child barrier can be coupled to the stroller frame <b>100</b> forward of a seat bight SB of the child seat <b>52</b>. It also is contemplated that the child barrier and cup holder of this invention can be coupled or mounted to many different types of strollers, including single and double strollers, and strollers with differently shaped frames or arm supports.

FIGS. <b>14</b>A and <b>15</b>-<b>16</b>B illustrate the stroller <b>10</b> including child tray <b>400</b> and cup holder <b>410</b> according to an embodiment of the invention. As mentioned above, the stroller <b>10</b> includes child tray <b>400</b>, and the stroller frame <b>100</b> includes first and second arm supports <b>140</b>, a child seat <b>52</b> positioned between the first and second arm supports <b>140</b>, and a cup holder <b>410</b>.

The child seat <b>52</b> is positioned on the stroller frame <b>100</b> and includes the seat back <b>55</b> and the seat bottom <b>53</b>. The child seat also includes a seat bight. The seat back <b>55</b> and the seat bottom <b>53</b> can define the seat bight SB at an intersection of the seat back <b>55</b> and the seat bottom <b>53</b>. In the illustrated embodiment, the seat bight SB can be the seamed intersection of the soft goods forming the seat back <b>55</b> and the seat bottom <b>53</b>. In an alternative embodiment, in which the seat bottom and the seat back of the child seat do not intersect, the seat bight can be the axis of rotation of the seat back <b>55</b> relative to the seat bottom <b>53</b>. The seat back <b>55</b> may recline between a first, upright position and a second, fully-reclined position. In either position, the seat bight SB remains at the same location on the child seat <b>52</b>, as defined above. When the stroller <b>10</b> is in the in-use configuration, the cup holder <b>410</b> is positioned forward of the seat bight SB so that the cup holder <b>410</b> is accessible by a child seated in the stroller <b>10</b>. In another embodiment, the cup holder <b>410</b> also can be above the seat bight SB.

Each of the first and second arm supports <b>140</b> include a first end <b>420</b> and a second end <b>422</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. The first end <b>420</b> is forward of the seat bight SB and the second end <b>422</b> is to the rear of the first end <b>420</b>. The cup holder <b>410</b> can be mounted to the first arm support <b>140</b>, for example, at the first end <b>420</b> of the first arm support <b>140</b>. The cup holder <b>410</b> can be permanently mounted to the first arm support <b>140</b> by rivets, pins, bolts, and any other suitable conventional fasteners or by connecting the cup holder <b>410</b> and the first arm support <b>140</b> together in a snap fit, friction fit, or other suitable structural engagement. The cup holder <b>410</b> also can be mounted to the first arm support <b>140</b> by integrally forming the cup holder <b>410</b> and the first arm support <b>140</b> from one piece of material.

The cup holder <b>410</b> includes a sidewall <b>412</b> with a cavity <b>411</b>. The cavity <b>411</b> provides a large capacity, deep, stable receptacle for child items. The cup holder <b>410</b> also includes a guide socket <b>414</b> and a latch <b>416</b>. The guide socket <b>414</b> is formed on the exterior surface of the sidewall <b>412</b> of the cup holder <b>410</b> and juts out and forms an aperture <b>415</b> for receiving a guide pin <b>406</b> on the child tray <b>400</b>. The latch <b>416</b> can be adjacent the aperture <b>415</b> and is configured to releasably connect with the child tray <b>400</b>. The guide socket <b>414</b> and latch <b>416</b> can be molded integrally into the cup holder <b>410</b> or formed and attached by any other suitable mechanism.

The child tray <b>400</b>, on a first end, includes a latch plate <b>407</b>, a release tab <b>404</b> connected to the latch plate <b>407</b>, and a guide pin <b>406</b>. The latch plate <b>407</b> and the guide pin <b>406</b> are configured to releasably couple with the cup holder <b>410</b>. The latch plate <b>407</b> can include two spaced legs and a lower section extending between the legs to define a slot <b>405</b> for receiving the latch <b>416</b> of the cup holder <b>410</b>. The release tab <b>404</b> can be attached to or integrally formed with the lower section of the latch plate <b>407</b>. The guide pin <b>406</b>, which can be adjacent the latch plate <b>407</b>, can be provided by a downward extending projection that slidably fits into the aperture <b>415</b> of guide socket <b>414</b>. When the child tray <b>400</b> moves to a closed, in-use position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16B</figref>, the guide pin <b>406</b> is inserted into the aperture <b>415</b>, and the latch plate <b>407</b> snaps over the latch <b>416</b> so that the latch <b>416</b> fits into the slot <b>405</b>. The guide socket <b>414</b> and guide pin <b>406</b> are configured to help align the child tray <b>400</b> and cup holder <b>410</b> for connecting the latch <b>416</b> and latch plate <b>407</b>. In order to uncouple the child tray <b>400</b> and the cup holder <b>410</b>, a caregiver can pull the release tab <b>404</b> away from the cup holder <b>410</b>, which releases the latch plate <b>407</b> from the latch <b>416</b>, and unlocks or unlatches the child tray <b>400</b> from the cup holder <b>410</b>. The child tray <b>400</b> can then be moved to the open, access position, in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14A</figref>.

The child tray <b>400</b> is movably coupled to the stroller frame <b>100</b> such that the cup holder <b>410</b> remains stationary relative to the stroller frame <b>100</b> while the child tray <b>400</b> moves relative to the stroller frame <b>100</b>. Accordingly, no spilling of a cup, juice box or other item in the cup holder <b>410</b> occurs when the child tray <b>400</b> moves.

To enable movement of the child tray <b>400</b> between the open, access position and the closed, in-use position, the child tray <b>400</b> is movably coupled to the second arm support <b>140</b>. For example, the child tray <b>400</b> can be pivotally coupled to the second arm support <b>140</b>. In the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14A-16B</figref>, the child tray <b>400</b> pivots about a generally horizontal axis. The child tray <b>400</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, can include a boss <b>408</b> on the second end of the child tray <b>400</b>. The boss <b>408</b> is configured to movably couple the child tray <b>400</b> to the second arm support <b>140</b> of the stroller frame <b>100</b>. The boss <b>408</b> includes a flange portion <b>409</b> at a distal end of the boss <b>408</b>. The boss <b>408</b> can be inserted into an aperture <b>424</b> on an end face <b>423</b> of the second arm support <b>140</b>. The flange portion <b>409</b> is larger than the aperture <b>424</b> such that, after the boss <b>408</b> is inserted into the aperture <b>424</b>, the flange <b>409</b> prevents the boss <b>408</b>, and hence the child tray <b>400</b>, from being removed from the second arm support <b>140</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14B</figref> illustrates a stroller <b>10</b> with a child tray <b>400</b> and a cup holder <b>410</b>A according to another embodiment of the invention.

The cup holder <b>410</b>A is mounted to the first arm support <b>140</b>A between the first end <b>420</b> and the second end <b>422</b> of the arm support <b>140</b>A. The cup holder <b>410</b>A is positioned forward of the seat bight SB. In another embodiment, the cup holder <b>410</b>A also can be positioned above the seat bight SB. The cup holder <b>410</b>A can be mounted to the first arm support <b>140</b>A by rivets, bolts, and any other suitable conventional fasteners, or by connecting the cup holder <b>410</b>A and the first arm support <b>140</b>A together in a snap fit, friction fit, or other suitable/structural engagement. The cup holder <b>410</b>A can also be mounted to the first arm support <b>140</b>A by integrally forming the cup holder <b>410</b>A and the first arm support <b>140</b>A from one piece of material.

The cup holder <b>410</b>A includes a sidewall <b>412</b>A with a cavity <b>411</b>A. The first end <b>420</b> of the first arm support <b>140</b>A includes a guide socket <b>414</b>A with an aperture <b>415</b>A, and a latch <b>416</b>A. The guide socket <b>414</b>A and latch <b>416</b>A are the same as that described above and shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14A</figref>.

The child tray <b>400</b> can be identical to the child tray <b>400</b> in the embodiment described above and shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14A</figref>. The child tray <b>400</b> is releasably coupled to the first arm support <b>140</b>A and movably coupled to the second arm support <b>140</b>. The child tray <b>400</b> includes a latch plate <b>407</b>, a release tab <b>404</b> and a guide pin <b>406</b>, which are configured to releasably couple with the first arm support <b>140</b>A. The latch plate <b>407</b> includes a slot <b>405</b> for receiving the latch <b>416</b>A of the first arm support <b>140</b>A. The guide pin <b>406</b>, which can be adjacent the release tab <b>404</b>, can be provided by a downward extending projection that slidably fits into the aperture <b>415</b>A on guide socket <b>414</b>A.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17B-20B</figref> illustrate a stroller <b>10</b> with a cup holder <b>430</b> and child tray <b>440</b> according to another embodiment of the invention.

The cup holder <b>430</b> is mounted to the first end <b>420</b> of the first arm support <b>140</b>. Like in the embodiments of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14A-16B</figref>, the cup holder <b>430</b> is positioned forward of the seat bight SB. In another embodiment, the cup holder <b>430</b> also can be positioned above the seat bight SB.

The cup holder <b>430</b> can be mounted to the first arm support <b>140</b> by rivets, bolts, and any other suitable conventional fasteners or by connecting the cup holder <b>430</b> and the first arm support <b>140</b> together in a snap fit, friction fit, or other suitable structural engagement. The cup holder <b>430</b> also can be mounted to the first arm support <b>140</b> by integrally forming the cup holder <b>430</b> and the first arm support <b>140</b> from one piece of material. The cup holder <b>430</b> provides a main cup holder, and the child tray <b>440</b> includes an auxiliary cup holder <b>442</b> that is movably mounted to the main cup holder <b>430</b>. The auxiliary cup holder <b>442</b> is positioned on a first end of the child tray <b>440</b>. The cup holder <b>430</b> remains stationary relative to the stroller frame <b>100</b> while the child tray <b>440</b> moves relative to the stroller frame <b>100</b>.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 17B and 18B</figref>, the main cup holder <b>430</b> has a sidewall <b>434</b> and can include grooves <b>435</b> formed in an interior surface at side wall <b>434</b>. The grooves <b>435</b> are configured to receive corresponding flanges <b>445</b> on the auxiliary cup holder <b>442</b> to mount the auxiliary cup holder <b>442</b> to the main cup holder <b>430</b>. The flanges <b>445</b> extend out from a bottom surface of the auxiliary cup holder <b>442</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18A</figref>. In the illustrated embodiment, the main cup holder <b>430</b> includes three grooves <b>435</b>, and the auxiliary cup holder <b>442</b>, includes three flanges <b>445</b>; more or fewer than three grooves/flanges are contemplated by this invention. The grooves <b>435</b> have a depth and height such that the flanges <b>445</b> on the auxiliary cup holder <b>442</b> can fit into the grooves <b>435</b>. To position the auxiliary cup holder <b>442</b> in the main cup holder <b>430</b>, the auxiliary cup holder <b>442</b> is slid into the main cup holder <b>430</b>, with the flanges <b>445</b> out of alignment with the grooves <b>435</b>. The auxiliary cup holder <b>442</b>, and hence the flanges <b>445</b>, are then rotated into alignment with the grooves <b>435</b> such that an upward force on the child tray <b>440</b> cannot dislodge the child tray <b>440</b>. The attachment of the flanges <b>445</b> in the grooves <b>435</b> allow the auxiliary cup holder <b>442</b> to move within the main cup holder <b>430</b>, such that the flanges <b>445</b> can slide in the grooves <b>435</b>. The flanges <b>445</b> and the grooves <b>435</b> are configured such that, as the auxiliary cup holder <b>442</b> turns in the main cup holder <b>430</b>, the flanges <b>445</b> can twist out of the grooves <b>435</b> and, in this alignment, the auxiliary cup holder <b>442</b> can be removed from the main cup holder <b>430</b>. Hence, the child tray <b>440</b> can be removably mounted to the stroller <b>10</b>.

Alternatively, the grooves <b>435</b> in the main cup holder <b>430</b> need not be configured to allow the flanges <b>445</b> to uncouple from the grooves and allow the auxiliary cup holder <b>442</b> to be removed from the main cup holder <b>430</b>. In such a case, the auxiliary cup holder <b>442</b> can be mounted to the main cup holder <b>430</b> by forcing or snapping the flanges <b>445</b> past ramped surfaces <b>436</b> and into grooves <b>435</b>. According to another embodiment, the main cup holder <b>430</b> may include a single, continuous annular groove, and the auxiliary cup holder <b>442</b> may include a single, continuous annular flange that can be forced or snapped into the continuous annular groove.

The child tray <b>440</b> includes first and second ends. The first end of the child tray <b>440</b> is movably coupled to the cup holder <b>430</b>. The child tray <b>440</b> can move between an open, access position, in which the second end of the child tray <b>440</b> is detached and moved away from the stroller frame <b>100</b>, and a closed, in-use position, in which the second end of the child tray <b>440</b> is coupled to the stroller frame <b>100</b>. When the child tray <b>440</b> pivots between an open, access position and a closed, in-use position, the child tray <b>440</b> pivots about a generally vertical axis. When the child tray <b>440</b> pivots, the auxiliary cup holder <b>442</b> can pivot about its central longitudinal axis. Whereas the child tray <b>440</b> changes location relative to the stroller frame <b>100</b> when pivoted, the auxiliary cup holder <b>442</b> rotates on its own axis, and the axis does not change location relative to the stroller frame <b>100</b>. Child items contained in the auxiliary cup holder <b>442</b>, which undergo less displacement relative to the stroller frame <b>100</b> than the child tray <b>440</b>, will not spill out of the auxiliary cup holder <b>442</b>.

The child tray <b>440</b> further includes a latching mechanism on the second end of the child tray <b>440</b>. The second end of the child tray <b>440</b> is releasably coupled to the second arm support <b>140</b>. The latching mechanism on the child tray <b>440</b> includes a first plate <b>452</b> and a second plate <b>454</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>. The first plate <b>452</b> can be positioned above and generally parallel with the second plate <b>454</b>, and each plate <b>452</b>, <b>454</b> can be generally perpendicular to the pivot axis of the child tray <b>440</b> (here, the central longitudinal axis of the auxiliary cup holder <b>442</b>). The first plate <b>452</b> includes an opening <b>453</b> and the second plate <b>454</b> includes an opening <b>455</b>.

The second arm support <b>140</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 20A and 20B</figref>, includes first and second buttons <b>472</b>, <b>474</b>. The first button <b>472</b> extends up and out of the upper surface of the second arm support <b>140</b>, while the second button extends below and out of the lower surface of the second arm support <b>140</b>. The buttons <b>472</b>, <b>474</b> are configured to move between a first, locked position and a second, unlocked position. The first button <b>472</b> includes a spring <b>476</b> with a first end attached to the first button <b>472</b> and a second end attached to a seat section <b>479</b>. As the first button <b>472</b> is pressed down, the spring <b>476</b> retracts, allowing the button <b>472</b> to become generally flush with the upper surface <b>479</b>A of the second arm support <b>140</b>. Likewise, the second button <b>474</b> includes a spring <b>478</b> with a first end attached to the second button <b>474</b> and a second end attached to the seat section <b>479</b>. When the second button is pressed, the spring <b>478</b> retracts, allowing the button <b>474</b> to move up and become generally flush with the lower surface <b>479</b>B of the second arm support <b>140</b>.

Alternatively, the second arm support <b>140</b> can include a first button and a second button narrower than the first button that can be directly coupled to the first button to slide relative to the first button. A spring can be positioned inside the second button, with a first end attached to the first button and a second end attached to the second button. As the first and second buttons are pressed, the second button slides within the first button and each button retracts and becomes generally flush with the upper and lower surfaces <b>479</b>A, <b>479</b>B of the second arm support <b>140</b>, respectively.

To attach the child tray <b>440</b> to the second arm support <b>140</b>, a caregiver can press in the first and second buttons <b>472</b>, <b>474</b>. The first plate <b>452</b> can then move past the first button <b>472</b> and the second plate <b>454</b> can move past the second button <b>474</b>. When the buttons <b>472</b>, <b>474</b> are released, the buttons <b>472</b>, <b>474</b> can extend through openings <b>453</b>, <b>455</b>, respectively. As an alternative, the first and second plates <b>452</b>, <b>454</b> can each have tapered leading surfaces. When the child tray <b>440</b> is to be coupled to the second arm support <b>140</b>, the child tray <b>440</b> can be pivoted towards the second arm support <b>140</b>. The tapered leading surfaces allow the first plate <b>452</b> to move past the first button <b>472</b>, and the second plate <b>454</b> to move past the second button <b>474</b>, with the plates <b>452</b>, <b>454</b> compressing the respective buttons <b>472</b>, <b>474</b> as the plates <b>452</b>, <b>454</b> pass by the buttons <b>472</b>, <b>474</b>. To release the child tray <b>440</b> from the second arm support <b>140</b>, the buttons <b>472</b>, <b>474</b> can be pressed, and the first and second plates <b>452</b>, <b>454</b> can be pulled away from the buttons <b>472</b>, <b>474</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17A</figref> illustrates a stroller <b>10</b> with a child tray <b>440</b>A and a cup holder <b>430</b>A according to an embodiment of the invention.

The cup holder <b>430</b>A is mounted to the first arm support <b>140</b>A between the first end and the second end of the arm support <b>140</b>A. The cup holder <b>430</b>A is positioned forward of the seat bight. In another embodiment, the cup holder <b>430</b>A also can be positioned above the seat bight. The cup holder <b>430</b>A can be mounted to the first arm support <b>140</b>A by rivets, bolts, and any other suitable conventional fasteners, or by connecting the cup holder <b>430</b>A and the first arm support <b>140</b>A together in a snap fit, friction fit, or other suitable structural engagement. The cup holder <b>430</b>A can also be mounted to the first arm support <b>140</b>A by integrally forming the cup holder <b>430</b>A and the first arm support <b>140</b>A from one piece of material. The cup holder <b>430</b>A includes a cavity <b>411</b>A.

The child tray <b>440</b>A is movably coupled to the first arm support <b>140</b>A and is releasably coupled to the second arm support <b>140</b>A. The child tray <b>440</b>A is coupled to the first arm support <b>140</b>A by a pivot P. The pivot P can be formed by any suitable conventional pivoting mechanism. The child tray <b>440</b>A can be coupled to the second arm support <b>140</b>A in the same manner as described above and shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19</figref>, <b>20</b>A, and <b>20</b>B.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 21A-21C</figref> illustrate a stroller <b>10</b> with a cup holder <b>460</b> and child tray <b>470</b> according to another embodiment of the invention. The cup holder <b>460</b> of the illustrated embodiment can be mounted to the first arm support <b>140</b> of the stroller frame <b>100</b> by rivets, pins, bolts, and any other suitable conventional fasteners or by connecting the cup holder <b>460</b> and the stroller frame <b>100</b> together in a snap fit, friction fit, or other suitable structural engagement. The cup holder <b>460</b> also can be mounted to the first arm support <b>140</b> by integrally forming the cup holder <b>460</b> and the first arm support <b>140</b> from one piece of material. The cup holder <b>460</b> includes a lip <b>464</b> and a retention groove <b>465</b> on the outer surface <b>462</b> of the side wall <b>461</b> of the cup holder <b>460</b>.

The child tray <b>470</b> has first and second ends. The first end of the child tray <b>470</b> is movably coupled to the cup holder <b>460</b> so that the child tray <b>470</b> can move between an open, access position, in which the second end of the child tray <b>470</b> is detached and moved away from the stroller frame <b>100</b>, and a closed, in-use position, in which the second end of the child tray <b>470</b> is coupled to the stroller frame <b>100</b>. In this regard, the child tray <b>470</b> includes a band <b>472</b> at its first end. The band <b>472</b> movably mounts to the cup holder <b>460</b>. The band <b>472</b> can be positioned around the cup holder <b>460</b> in the retention groove <b>465</b> to fit underneath the lip <b>464</b>. The lip <b>464</b> and retention groove <b>465</b> keep the band <b>472</b> mounted to the cup holder <b>460</b> and prevent the child tray <b>470</b> from being removed from the cup holder <b>460</b>.

In the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 21A-21C</figref>, the second end of the child tray <b>470</b> is releasably coupled to the second arm support <b>140</b>. The child tray <b>470</b> can include a pin <b>482</b> with a locking groove <b>483</b>, and the second arm support <b>140</b> can include a socket <b>484</b> for receiving the pin <b>482</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 21B and 21C</figref>. The socket <b>484</b> can include a locking clip <b>485</b> that is movable by a release button <b>486</b> on a side of the second arm support <b>140</b>. By pressing the release button <b>486</b>, the locking clip <b>485</b> retracts, thereby allowing the pin <b>482</b> to be inserted into the socket <b>484</b>. Releasing the release button <b>486</b> allows the locking clip <b>485</b> to extend out and fit into the locking groove <b>483</b> on the pin <b>482</b>.

Alternatively, the child tray <b>470</b> can be releasably coupled to the second arm support <b>140</b> by any other suitable mechanism. For example, the child tray <b>470</b> can be coupled to the second arm support <b>140</b> in the same manner as described above and shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 19</figref>, <b>20</b>A, and <b>20</b>B.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 28 and 29</figref> illustrate another mechanism for attaching a child tray <b>495</b> to an arm support <b>140</b> of a stroller frame <b>100</b>. The child tray <b>495</b> of the illustrated embodiment is movably mounted to the second arm support <b>140</b> of the stroller frame <b>100</b> to enable movement of the child tray <b>495</b> between the open, access position and the closed, in-use position. The child tray <b>495</b> can include a boss <b>496</b>. The boss <b>496</b> is configured to movably couple the child tray <b>495</b> to the second arm support <b>140</b>. The boss <b>496</b> includes a snap button <b>497</b>. The boss <b>496</b> can be inserted into an aperture <b>492</b> in an end wall <b>491</b> of the second arm support <b>140</b>. The snap button <b>497</b> juts out of the boss <b>496</b> such that, after the boss <b>496</b> is inserted into the aperture <b>492</b>, the snap button <b>497</b> prevents the boss <b>496</b>, and hence the child tray <b>495</b>, from being removed from the second arm support <b>140</b>. A washer <b>493</b> can be positioned adjacent a rear side of the end wall <b>491</b>, between the end wall <b>491</b> and the snap button <b>497</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref> illustrates a stroller <b>10</b> with a child tray <b>470</b>A and a cup holder <b>460</b>A according to another embodiment of the invention. The cup holder <b>460</b>A of the illustrated embodiment can be mounted to the child tray <b>470</b>A by rivets, pins, bolts, and any other suitable conventional fasteners. The cup holder <b>460</b>A also can be mounted to the child tray <b>470</b>A by integrally forming the cup holder <b>460</b>A and the child tray <b>470</b>A from one piece of material. The cup holder <b>460</b>A includes a lip <b>464</b>A. The cup holder <b>460</b>A also can include a retention groove <b>465</b>A on the outer surface <b>462</b>A of the side wall <b>461</b>A of the cup holder <b>460</b>A, similar to that shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21A</figref>.

The child tray <b>470</b>A has first and second ends with the cup holder <b>460</b>A mounted to the child tray <b>470</b>A at the first end. The cup holder <b>460</b>A can be movably coupled to the first arm support <b>140</b>B so that the child tray <b>470</b>A can move between an open, access position, in which the second end of the child tray <b>470</b>A is detached and moved away from the stroller frame <b>100</b>, and a closed, in-use position, in which the second end of the child tray <b>470</b>A is coupled to the stroller frame <b>100</b>. In this regard, the first arm support <b>140</b>B can include a band <b>472</b>A at its first end <b>420</b>. The band <b>472</b>A snaps over the cup holder <b>460</b>A and into the retention groove <b>465</b>A and is retained by lip <b>464</b>A. The band <b>472</b>A can be positioned around the cup holder <b>460</b>A and fits underneath the lip <b>464</b>A and in the retention groove <b>465</b>A. The cup holder <b>460</b>A can pivot within the band <b>472</b>A about its central longitudinal axis “A” when the child tray <b>470</b>A is moved relative to the stroller frame <b>100</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> illustrates a stroller <b>10</b> with an arm bar-type child barrier <b>490</b> according to another embodiment of the invention. The arm bar <b>490</b> extends from a first side of the child seat <b>52</b> to a second side of the child seat <b>52</b> to be in front of a child seated in the child seat <b>52</b>. The arm bar <b>490</b> can be tubular in shape and can be entirely or partially surrounded by a soft padding, such as fabric, rubber, or any other suitable material. Additionally, the arm bar <b>490</b> can comprise any other suitable shape that allows the arm bar <b>490</b> to extend in front of a child and from one side of the child seat <b>52</b> to a second side of the child seat <b>52</b>. A child can grab on and pull himself forward with the arm bar <b>490</b>. The arm bar <b>490</b> can also define the boundary area for a child in the stroller <b>10</b>. The arm bar <b>490</b> can be substituted for the child tray in any of the above-described embodiments. For example, the arm bar <b>490</b> can be movably coupled to the stroller <b>10</b> at the second arm support <b>140</b> and releasably coupled to the cup holder <b>410</b>. The arm bar <b>490</b> can be coupled to the second arm support <b>140</b> and cup holder <b>410</b> by any suitable mechanism, such as described above and shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14A-21C</figref>, or by engagement collars, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,384, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The child tray <b>400</b>, the cup holder <b>410</b>, and the arm supports <b>140</b> can be made of a plastic material, such as copolymer polypropylene, or any other suitable material. Additionally, the child tray <b>400</b>, the cup holder <b>410</b> and the arm supports <b>140</b> can include reinforcement parts. For example, the boss <b>408</b> and the aperture <b>424</b> can include reinforcement parts or material to strengthen the coupling of the child tray <b>400</b> and the stroller <b>10</b>. Further, the release tab <b>404</b> and/or guide pin <b>406</b> on the child tray <b>400</b> can be replaced by a separate, stiff part to releasably couple the child tray <b>400</b> to the cup holder <b>410</b>.

The design of the child tray, the cup holder, and the arm supports can result in reduced part count compared to conventional strollers with child trays and cup holders. In addition, manufacturing assembly can be significantly simplified, which can result in reduced costs, labor and time.

It is understood that the child barrier, such as child tray <b>400</b>, <b>440</b>, <b>440</b>A, <b>470</b>, or <b>495</b> and arm bar <b>490</b>, and the cup holder of the invention can be positioned forward of the seat back <b>55</b> of the child seat <b>52</b> when the stroller is in the in-use configuration. Even if the stroller includes a reclinable seat back, the child barrier and the cup holder remain forward of the seat back at each recline position of the seat back. Because the child barrier and the cup holder are located forward of the seat back, a child seated in the child seat can access both the child barrier and the cup holder.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a basket assembly that can be moved by a caregiver between a first, in-use position and a second, access position. The basket assembly <b>500</b> now will be described with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 22-26B</figref>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 22</figref> and as previously mentioned, the basket assembly <b>500</b> includes a basket frame <b>510</b> and a basket <b>520</b> supported by the basket frame <b>510</b>. The basket assembly <b>500</b> can be connected to the stroller frame <b>100</b> by a latch assembly <b>530</b> at either or both ends of the basket frame <b>100</b>.

The basket frame <b>510</b> is movable between a first, in-use position (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 24A</figref>, <b>25</b>A, <b>26</b>A) and a second, access position (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>, <b>24</b>B, <b>25</b>B, <b>26</b>B). The movement of the basket frame <b>510</b> will now be discussed with respect to three latch assembly embodiments of the invention, which are shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 23A-26B</figref>.

A first embodiment of the latch assembly <b>530</b>A is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 23A-24B</figref>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23A</figref>, the latch assembly <b>530</b>A includes a spring element <b>540</b>A (which serves as a first engagement member), a spring carrier <b>532</b>A, and a spring receiver <b>534</b>A (which serves as a second engagement member). Although the spring receiver <b>534</b>A is shown as being integrated into the fold link <b>130</b>, this is not required and other embodiments of the invention contemplate the spring receiver <b>534</b>A being separate from the fold link <b>130</b>. Similarly, although the spring carrier <b>532</b>A and the spring element <b>540</b>A are shown as being separate elements, these elements may be integrally formed from a single piece of material.

The spring carrier <b>532</b>A is coupled to the basket frame <b>510</b> in any conventional manner (e.g., frictional fit, snap fit, fasteners, etc.). As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23B</figref>, the spring carrier <b>532</b>A includes bosses <b>547</b> that are sized to fit within holes <b>546</b> in the spring element <b>540</b>A. In this regard, the holes <b>546</b> can be keyed to fit the bosses <b>547</b>. Further, the keying of the holes <b>546</b> can be such that the spring member <b>540</b>A can only be inserted into the spring retainer <b>532</b>A in one orientation. As a result, the spring element <b>540</b>A, which may also be referred to as a latch spring, is configured to be fixedly engaged with the spring carrier <b>532</b>A such that a rotation of the spring carrier <b>532</b>A causes a likewise rotation of the spring element <b>540</b>A.

The spring element <b>540</b>A also includes a hole <b>548</b> that is configured to receive a pivot pin <b>550</b>, which for foldable strollers may be located at pivot P<b>6</b>, formed as part of the spring receiver <b>534</b>A. The pivot pin <b>550</b>, which may be, for example, a rivet, a dowel, a screw, or other suitable fastener on which the basket frame <b>510</b> can rotate, may secure the spring receiver <b>534</b> to the fold link <b>130</b> or other suitable part of the stroller <b>10</b>. Accordingly, when the spring element <b>540</b>A rotates (as a result of a rotation of the spring carrier <b>532</b>A), the spring element <b>540</b>A is configured to rotate within the spring receiver <b>534</b>A.

The rotation of the spring element <b>540</b>A in the spring receiver <b>534</b>A is controlled by a releasable engagement of the spring element <b>540</b>A and the spring receiver <b>534</b>A. Specifically, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24A</figref>, the spring element <b>540</b>A includes a plurality of lobes <b>541</b> that are defined by engagement surfaces <b>542</b>A and corresponding ramp surfaces <b>544</b>A. The engagement surfaces <b>542</b>A are configured to engage detents <b>552</b>A in the spring receiver <b>534</b>A. As a result of the engagement of the engagement surfaces <b>542</b>A and the detents <b>552</b>A, the basket frame <b>510</b> may be maintained in the in-use position, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24A</figref>.

The engagement of the engagement surfaces <b>542</b>A and the detents <b>552</b>A may be overcome, however, by application of a downward force Q to the basket frame <b>510</b>. When the downward force Q is applied, the engagement surfaces <b>542</b>A are forced to ride along the detents <b>552</b>A such that the lobes <b>541</b> bend radially inward. When the engagement surfaces <b>542</b>A pass the tips of the detents <b>552</b>A, the spring element <b>540</b>A is free to rotate around pivot pin <b>550</b> and, therefore, the basket frame <b>510</b> can rotate downward along an arc π from the in-use position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24A</figref> to the access position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24B</figref>.

To return the basket frame <b>510</b> from the access position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24B</figref> to the in-use position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24A</figref>, a caregiver can lift the basket frame <b>510</b> upward, thereby causing the spring carrier <b>532</b>A (and the spring element <b>540</b>A) to rotate opposite arc π. As the spring element <b>540</b>A rotates, ramp surfaces <b>544</b>A, which abut the engagement surfaces <b>542</b>A, will contact the detents <b>552</b>A. A continued rotation of the spring element <b>540</b>A toward the in-use position will cause the lobes <b>541</b> to bend radially inward, until the ramp surfaces <b>544</b>A clear the detents <b>552</b>A. When the ramp surfaces <b>544</b>A clear the detents <b>552</b>A, the spring element <b>540</b>A will spring radially outward such that the engagement surfaces <b>542</b>A once again are adjacent the detents <b>552</b>A, thereby maintaining the basket frame <b>510</b> in the in-use position.

In the above-described embodiment it should be readily recognized that the spring element <b>540</b>A may have any number (i.e., one or more) of engagement surfaces <b>542</b>A that may engage a like number of detents <b>552</b>A formed in the spring receiving member <b>534</b>A. As shown, however, in some embodiments it may be preferable to have two or more, for example, three, pairings of engagement surfaces <b>542</b>A and detents <b>552</b>A.

The second embodiment of the latch assembly <b>530</b>B now will be described with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 25A-25B</figref>. Similar to the first embodiment of the latch assembly <b>530</b>A, the latch assembly <b>530</b>B includes a spring element <b>540</b>B, a spring carrier <b>532</b>B (which serves as a first engagement member), and a spring receiver <b>534</b>B (which serves as a second engagement member). Although the spring receiver <b>534</b>B is shown as being integrated into the fold link <b>130</b>, this is not required and other embodiments of the invention contemplate the spring receiver <b>534</b>B being separate from the fold link <b>130</b>.

In this embodiment, the spring carrier <b>532</b>B is in the form of a spring-biased plunger. The plunger <b>532</b>B circumscribes and is connected to an end of the basket frame <b>510</b> via a pivot pin <b>560</b> that passes through opposed slots (not shown) in the spring carrier <b>532</b>B. Although the slots in the spring carrier <b>532</b>B are wide enough to receive the axis portion of the pivot pin <b>560</b>, the slots are narrower than a head portion of the pin <b>560</b> and, therefore, the head portion retains the spring carrier <b>532</b>B alongside the basket frame <b>510</b>.

The pivot pin <b>560</b>, which for foldable strollers may be located at pivot P<b>6</b>, may be, for example, a rivet, a dowel, a screw, or other suitable fastener on which the basket frame <b>510</b> can rotate. The pivot pin <b>560</b> also serves to connect the basket frame <b>510</b> to the fold link <b>130</b>. The spring element <b>540</b>B may be housed within the basket frame <b>510</b> and may extend between the pivot pin <b>560</b> and the plunger <b>532</b>B.

The spring element <b>540</b>B serves to bias the plunger <b>532</b>B away from the pivot pin <b>560</b>. As a result, when in the in-use position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25A</figref>, the spring element <b>540</b>B biases the plunger <b>532</b>B into a lower detent <b>552</b>B formed in the spring receiver <b>534</b>B. To move the basket frame <b>510</b> from the in-use position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25A</figref> to the access position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25B</figref>, a downward force is applied to the basket frame <b>510</b>. As a result of the downward force, an upper engagement surface <b>542</b>B of the plunger <b>532</b>B rides against the lower detent <b>552</b>B, thereby causing the plunger <b>532</b>B to retract along the outer wall of the basket frame <b>510</b>. Movement of the plunger <b>532</b>B is not inhibited by the pivot pin <b>560</b> because of the opposed slots (not shown) in the plunger <b>532</b>B in which the pivot pin <b>560</b> can slide.

As a result of the movement of the plunger <b>532</b>B along the basket frame <b>510</b>, the spring element <b>540</b>B is compressed against the pivot pin <b>560</b>. When the upper engagement surface <b>542</b>B of the plunger <b>532</b>B clears the lower detent <b>552</b>B, the basket frame <b>510</b> is free to rotate downward, toward the access position, on an axis of rotation defined by the pivot pin <b>560</b>. When the basket frame <b>510</b> reaches the access position, the plunger <b>532</b>B can spring, under the force of the spring element <b>540</b>B, into an upper detent <b>562</b>B formed in the spring receiver <b>534</b>B, thereby maintaining the basket frame <b>510</b> in the access position.

To return the basket frame <b>510</b> from the access position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25B</figref> to the in-use position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25A</figref>, a caregiver can upwardly lift the basket frame <b>510</b>. As a result, a lower engagement surface <b>544</b>B of the plunger <b>532</b>B can ride along the wall of the upper detent <b>562</b>B, thereby compressing the spring element <b>540</b>B and causing the plunger <b>532</b>B to retract along the basket frame <b>510</b>. Once the lower engagement surface <b>544</b>B clears the upper detent <b>562</b>B, the basket frame <b>510</b> is free to move to the in-use position. Moreover, when the basket frame <b>510</b> reaches the in-use position, the spring element <b>540</b>B will cause the plunger <b>532</b>B to spring outwardly into the lower detent <b>552</b>B, thereby maintaining the basket frame <b>510</b> in the in-use position.

In the above-described embodiment, it should be readily recognized that the spring receiver <b>534</b>B may have any number (i.e., one or more) of detents <b>552</b> that may engage the plunger <b>532</b>B. As a result, the basket frame <b>510</b> may be releasably locked in a plurality of positions between the in-use position and the access position; this functionality may be particularly helpful when the size of large items placed in the basket <b>520</b> would otherwise prevent the basket frame <b>510</b> from being returned to the in-use position. In other words, by returning the basket frame <b>510</b> to an intermediate position, a large item may be more readily secured as compared to the situation in which the basket <b>520</b> must, as a result of the item's size, remain in the access position.

It also should be recognized that the spring element <b>540</b>B and the spring carrier <b>532</b>B may be integrally formed. For example, the spring element <b>540</b>B and the spring carrier <b>532</b>B may be integrally formed as a unitary compressible member (e.g., compressible acetal). Alternatively or additionally, the spring element <b>540</b>B and the spring carrier <b>532</b>B may be integrally formed as a unitary retractable member.

The third embodiment of the latch assembly <b>530</b>C now will be described with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 26A-26B</figref>. The latch assembly <b>530</b>C includes a rigid basket frame end <b>540</b>C (which serves as a first engagement member) and a deformable receiver <b>534</b>C (which serves as a second engagement member). Although the receiver <b>534</b>C is shown as being integrated into the fold link <b>130</b>, this is not required and other embodiments of the invention contemplate the receiver <b>534</b>C being separate from the fold link <b>130</b>.

In this embodiment, the basket frame <b>510</b> is releasably maintained in the in-use position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26A</figref> by engagement of the basket frame end <b>540</b>C with a lower detent <b>552</b>C. To move the basket frame <b>510</b> to the access position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26B</figref>, a downward force is applied to the basket frame <b>510</b>. As a result of the downward force, the receiver <b>534</b>C deforms. As a result of the deformation of the receiver <b>534</b>C, the basket frame end <b>540</b>C is freed from lower detent <b>552</b>C. When the basket frame end <b>540</b>C is free from the lower detent <b>552</b>C, the basket frame <b>510</b> will readily rotate on a pivot pin <b>570</b>, which for foldable strollers may be located at pivot P<b>6</b>, to the access position. The pivot pin <b>570</b>, which may be, for example, a rivet, a dowel, a screw, or other suitable fastener on which the basket frame <b>510</b> can rotate, may secure the basket frame <b>510</b> to the fold link <b>130</b> or other suitable part of the stroller <b>10</b>. When the basket frame <b>510</b> reaches the access position, the receiver <b>543</b>C will substantially return to its original position and will maintain the basket frame end <b>540</b>C on an upper detent <b>562</b>C, thereby releasably locking the basket frame <b>510</b> in the access position.

To return the basket frame <b>510</b> from the access position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26B</figref> to the in-use position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26A</figref>, a caregiver upwardly lifts the basket frame <b>510</b>. The upward movement of the basket frame <b>510</b> causes the receiver <b>534</b>C to deform such that the basket frame end <b>540</b>C is able to clear the upper detent <b>562</b>C. When the basket frame end <b>540</b>C clears the upper detent <b>562</b>C, the basket frame <b>510</b> readily rotates on the pivot pin <b>570</b> to the in-use position. Moreover, when the basket frame <b>510</b> reaches the in-use position, the receiver <b>534</b>C will substantially return to its original position and will maintain the basket frame end <b>540</b>C in the lower detent <b>552</b>C, thereby releasably maintaining the basket frame <b>510</b> in the in-use position.

With respect to this latch assembly <b>530</b>C, it should be recognized that the force necessary to move the basket frame <b>510</b> between the in-use position and the access position can be varied by varying the size of the receiver <b>534</b>C. Specifically, by increasing the size of the detents <b>552</b>C, <b>562</b>C, the amount of force necessary to free the basket frame end <b>540</b>C from the detents <b>552</b>C, <b>562</b>C will correspondingly increase. Similarly, the force necessary to move the basket frame <b>510</b> between the in-use position and the access position can also be varied by varying the stiffness of the basket frame end <b>540</b>C and/or the receiver <b>534</b>C, i.e., by increasing the stiffness of either the basket frame end <b>540</b>C and/or the receiver <b>534</b>C, the force necessary to disengage the basket frame end <b>540</b>C from the detents <b>552</b>C, <b>562</b>C will correspondingly increase.

This latch assembly <b>530</b>C includes fewer parts as compared to the first and second latch assemblies <b>530</b>A, <b>530</b>B. As a result, the cost of this latch assembly <b>530</b>C may be less than that of the first and second latch assemblies <b>530</b>A, <b>530</b>B. Moreover, the assembly time for this latch assembly <b>530</b>C may be shorter than that of the first and second latch assemblies <b>530</b>A, <b>530</b>B.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the basket frame <b>510</b> may be moved from the in-use position to the access position by a caregiver merely pushing (with either a hand or a foot) on the basket frame <b>510</b>, i.e., a separate locking mechanism need not be undone to enable the basket frame <b>510</b> to move from the in-use position to the access position. Moreover, in some embodiments, the basket frame <b>510</b> may fall under the force of gravity to the access position after the force applied by the caregiver exceeds a predetermined minimum force (e.g., 10 pounds) to disengage the first engagement member <b>540</b>A, <b>532</b>B, <b>540</b>C from the second engagement member <b>534</b>A, <b>534</b>B, <b>534</b>C.

If the basket frame <b>510</b> is in the access position and the stroller <b>10</b> is in the collapsed configuration, opening the stroller <b>10</b> to the in-use configuration may automatically return the basket frame <b>510</b> to the in-use position. However, if the stroller <b>10</b> is already in the in-use configuration and the basket frame <b>510</b> is in the access position, the basket frame <b>510</b> may be returned to the in-use position by the caregiver simply by lifting the basket frame <b>510</b>.

The basket frame <b>510</b> will be releasably maintained in the in-use position when the basket frame <b>510</b> is lifted with a predetermined force, which may be less than the force necessary to move the basket frame <b>510</b> from the in-use position to the access position. In other words, the force necessary to move the basket frame <b>510</b> from the access position to the in-use position need only be sufficient to cause the first engagement members <b>540</b>A, <b>532</b>B, <b>540</b>C to engage the second engagement members <b>534</b>A, <b>534</b>B, <b>534</b>C. Moreover, when the first engagement members <b>540</b>A, <b>532</b>B, <b>540</b>C engage the second engagement members <b>534</b>A, <b>534</b>B, <b>534</b>C, an audible clicking sound may be generated, thereby notifying the caregiver that the basket frame <b>510</b> is secured in the in-use position.

It should be readily recognized that in each of the above-described latch assembly embodiments <b>530</b>A, <b>530</b>B, <b>530</b>C, the upward movement of the basket frame <b>510</b> (i.e., toward the in-use position) may be limited by the soft goods basket <b>520</b>. Similarly, the downwards movement of the basket frame <b>510</b> (i.e., toward the access position) may be limited by the rear axle <b>118</b>.

It also should be readily recognized that, after the basket frame <b>510</b> is moved from the in-use position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 24A</figref>, <b>25</b>A, <b>26</b>A to the access position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 24B</figref>, <b>25</b>B, <b>26</b>B, the basket frame <b>510</b> may remain in the access position without additional force being applied to basket frame <b>510</b> by the caregiver. As a result, the caregiver is able to use both hands to place items in (or to remove items from) the basket <b>520</b>.

Finally, it also should be readily recognized that although the latch assemblies <b>530</b>A, <b>530</b>B, <b>530</b>C are shown as being used in conjunction with folding strollers, this is not required. Rather, the latch assemblies <b>530</b>A, <b>530</b>B, <b>530</b>C may be used to couple basket assemblies <b>500</b> to non-folding strollers and/or to other wheeled transports.

The above-described stroller embodiments can be formed of many suitable materials. In particular, the stroller frame <b>100</b> (including the handle bar <b>152</b>, push arms <b>154</b>, front legs, <b>110</b>, rear legs <b>112</b>, etc.) and/or the basket frame <b>510</b> may be molded, for example, from steel, metal, plastic, or other suitably rigid material. The fold link <b>130</b> may, for example, be molded from nylon, acetal, reinforced plastic, rigid plastic, metal (e.g., die cast metal or aluminum), or other suitable material. The child tray <b>400</b>, the cup holder <b>410</b>, and/or the arm supports <b>140</b> may, for example, be formed from a plastic material (e.g., copolymer polypropylene) or any other suitable material. The spring retainers <b>532</b>A, <b>532</b>B may, for example, be molded from nylon, acetal, or other suitable material. The spring member <b>540</b>A of the first latch assembly embodiment <b>530</b>A may, for example, be formed of a relatively rigid plastic such as acetal, or other suitable material. The spring member <b>540</b>B of the second latch assembly embodiment <b>530</b>B may, for example, be formed of music wire, metal, or other suitable material. The spring receivers <b>534</b>A, <b>534</b>B of the first and second latch assemblies <b>530</b>A, <b>530</b>B, may, for example, be formed of nylon, rigid plastic, metal, or other suitable material. The receiver <b>534</b>C of the third latch assembly <b>530</b>C may, for example, be formed of nylon, plastic, or other suitable material.

The preferred embodiments have been set forth herein for the purpose of illustration. This description, however, should not be deemed to be a limitation on the scope of the invention. Various modifications, adaptations, and alternatives may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the claimed inventive concept. The true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.